Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and drug discovery companies are increasingly turning their attention to cell-based assays, as these assays offer a more accurate representation of the real-life cell model than the traditional enzyme- or antibody-based assays.
This surge in demand is caused not only by the greater accuracy provided by the use of live cells, but also because cell-based assays offer the possibility of a dynamic experiment through monitoring of the numbers or behaviour of the live cells.
"Large multinational companies are seeking to perform screens in cell-based systems because they ensure precise whole cell data representative of the physiological condition," says Dr. Amarpreet Dhiman, Research Analyst from Frost & Sullivan. "Cell-based assays are expected to expand in use, especially in lead evaluation and optimisation and pre-clinical evaluation."
As high throughput screening (HTS) processes, using cell-based assays, are more complicated than those using conventional assays, they will require sophisticated solutions. Assay manufacturers are focusing on developing easy-to-use and highly sensitive assays that provide continuous record of cellular activity.
Scientists developing cell-based assays have to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and assay methodologies to meet the constant challenges of cell-based screening in drug discovery. In fact, the implementation of entirely new classes of potential drug targets in several drug discovery operations is propelling many cell-based activities.
Successful screening of the new targets often requires the use of cells and various assay kits to detect specific cellular pathways. Insights from these information-rich assays could help more efficient discovery of effective drugs, thus saving considerable time and costs as well as reducing the need for secondary screens in future.